Clonaslee C 1, Tullamore Rovers 3.

CCFL Division 4A

Kenny Double Sinks Clonaslee

Clonaslee C 1, Tullamore Rovers 3.

Tullamore Rovers maintained their unbeaten start to the season with 3-1 victory over Clonaslee on Sunday. Brendan Kenny was on top form as he hit two goals to ensure the blues stay at the top end of the table. Rovers played some great football in the first half carving open the opposition defence on numerous occasions, John Healy going close twice from deep crosses. Rovers took to the lead midway through the first half when the impressive Mark Lennon, who was linking up well with Derek Dolan on the left; slid a through ball to Dolan on the edge of the box before he squared to Brendan Kenny who fired Rovers in front, a slick move form Rovers that got it’s just rewards. Rovers went two up soon after when a brilliant through ball from Deano Tyrell found John Healy powering through and he made no mistake with an exquisite lob over the keeper. An injury to Billy Harvey who had been doing well at right full forced Manager Lar Byrne to make some positional changes with Pawet Polak coming in on the right side of midfield and Ian Harvey dropping back to right full. Rovers should have been out of sight at this stage but hesitation in defence as they readjusted to the changes five minutes before the break allowed the Clonaslee men to peg back a goal. Fortunately for Rovers they were two up again within 2 minutes when Pawet Polak broke free on the right before crossing into the danger area where Brendan Kenny was on hand again to volley into the net. Rovers seen out the half with some good football, Paul McDonald surging runs through middle causing problems for Clonaslee on occasions and Mick Kilmartins pace and smart running up front was always a threat for the Tullamore men.
The second was a much tighter affair with both sides upping the work rate, Clonaslee piled on the pressure but Rovers back four of Lennon, O’Brien, Tyrell and Harvey were uncompromising in their tackling. Rovers will also be thankful of Dave Minton in goals as he pulled off two good saves to keep Rovers on top. Lar Byrne made a number of changes throughout the second half with Declan Conroy, Robbie Lawlor and Mick Delaney all entering the fray to ensure that Rovers seen out the victory. Robbie Lawlor was busy up front a gave the Clonaslee back a few headaches and the Clonaslee keeper pulled off two good saves to deny both Conroy and Delaney late on. Their were plenty of good performances for Rovers including Brendan Kenny’s two goal salvo but the Man of the Match award goes to Mark Lennon who had busy game at left full.
Tullamore Rovers: Dave Minton, Ian Harvey, Jimmy O’Brien, Deano Tyrell, Billy Harvey, Pawet Polak, Mark Lennon, Derek Dolan, Robbie Lawlor, Paul McDonald, John Healy, Mick Kilmartin, Brendan Kenny, Declan Conroy & Mick Delaney.

Tullamore Rovers would like to thank Joe Lees Bar in Church Street for their support and Ted & Keith Garry for the playing facilities in Fentor Park in Killeigh.
Match reports and information can be got from www.tullamorerovers.blogspot.com; you can email the club with any questions – tullamorerovers@eircom.net.